The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be an exciting race with a field of 14 horses, the largest in 15 years. This year's event holds particular interest as it could see another historic moment for women in horse racing, following the Kentucky Derby's first female-trained winner.
A Historic Opportunity
One of the most intriguing aspects of this year's Preakness is the potential for Brittany Russell to make history as the first woman to train a Preakness winner. Her horse, Taj Mahal, is undefeated at its home track and has been drawing attention. Russell's journey is especially notable as she would be the 17th woman to saddle a Preakness horse and the first since 2019.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the context of the Triple Crown series. The Kentucky Derby, the first jewel of the Triple Crown, already witnessed a groundbreaking moment with Cherie DeVaux becoming the first woman to train a Derby winner. Now, the Preakness could continue this trend, further solidifying the role of women in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Venue and Field
The Preakness will be held at Maryland's Laurel Park, a temporary home while Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course undergoes redevelopment. This change in venue adds an interesting dynamic to the race, as horses will be navigating a different track than usual.
In terms of the field, Iron Honor is the morning-line favorite with 9-2 odds. However, it's worth noting that Iron Honor didn't compete in the Kentucky Derby, which could impact its performance in the Preakness. Other contenders include Chip Honcho, Incredibolt, and Taj Mahal, all with 5-1 odds.
Trainer Spotlight
Chad Brown, Iron Honor's trainer, is chasing his third Preakness victory. He previously won with Early Voting in 2022 and Cloud Computing in 2017. On the other hand, Steve Asmussen, trainer of Chip Honcho, is looking for his third win after victories with Rachel Alexandra in 2009 and Curlin in 2007.
Additionally, Riley Mott, trainer of Incredibolt, is making his Preakness debut. His father, Bill Mott, has trained two horses in the race, so it will be interesting to see how Riley fares in his first Preakness.
Jockeys and Past Performances
Jockey Flavien Prat, who finished 10th in the Derby, will ride Iron Honor. Prat has had success in the Preakness before, winning in 2021 and placing third in 2024. Sheldon Russell, husband of trainer Brittany Russell, will ride Taj Mahal. This will be Sheldon's fourth Preakness, with his best finish being fifth in 2023.
Jose Ortiz, who rode Golden Tempo to victory in the Derby, will be aboard Chip Honcho. Ortiz has also won the Kentucky Oaks, showcasing his skill in major races.
A Race of Firsts
The 2026 Preakness Stakes is more than just a horse race; it's a celebration of the sport's evolution. With the potential for another historic moment for women in horse racing, this year's event promises to be a thrilling spectacle. As we watch these horses and their teams compete, we're also witnessing the ongoing progress and diversity in the world of horse racing.
